Oleander aphids (Aphis nerii) are commonly viewed with disdain by devotees of monarchs (Danaus plexippus). This is the time of the season when we see hordes of the non-native yellow aphids on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) plants that are "reserved" for monarchs. Of course, it shows that Nature takes no restaurant reservations, even for royalty.

Last week, Indiana announced that the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was detected in Switzerland County. And earlier this week, the information was shared via a BYGL Alert (https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1832). Cornell University's Integrated Pest Management Program website has updated a SLF map included below that gives the big picture of where SLF is known to be in North America. 

Every year in NE Ohio about this time, my wife and I anticipate being able to sit out on our deck and gaze upon the stars in the middle of the day.  How is this possible?  Did I tip over backwards on a chair and hit my head?  Nope, we just sniff and see stars!  The answer is easily detected with the emergence of one of our favorite species of lily blooming in the Drapescape.  This unbelievable bloomer, Lilium orientalis ‘Stargazer’, is most commonly called by its moniker of Stargazer lily.  Oriental lilies are renowned for their huge bloom size, intense and eye-...

When do you know if a tree is safe or needs to be removed? Read more to find out!

Check out latest edition of OSU's Turfgrass Team's, Turfgrass Times that was recorded on Friday, July 23.

On Friday, June 23, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Indiana. This find is a reminder to be on the look out for this invasive species and report and suspect finds in Ohio. Reports can be made using the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) App, or contacting the Ohio Department of Agriculture by email (plantpest@agri.ohio.gov), phone (614-728-6400), or using the online reporting form on their website at: https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/slf

Redheaded Pine Sawfly (Neodiprion lecontei, order Hymenoptera, family Diprionidae) is so-named because of the markedly red head capsules of the larvae. It’s one of the most damaging conifer sawflies found in Ohio owing to its feeding behavior, wide host range, and the occurrence of two generations. First-generation larvae are in full swing with the second generation on the horizon.

Be on the look out for hornworms devouring your tomatoes and peppers.

Green June Beetles (Cotinis nitida, family Scarabaeidae) are making their annual appearance en masse to terrorize gardeners, golfers, sunbathers, small children, and pets as they buzz home lawns and golf courses. Despite the "June" in their common name, these beetles always appear on the scene in July in Ohio.

Lacewings (order Neuroptera) are delicate insects named for their elaborate lace-like wing venation. Ohio is home to members of two families: green lacewings (family Chrysopidae) and brown lacewings (family Hemerobiidae).